MEET #4148 JORDAN FRIPP
Art Director • Atlanta, GA
If we were stuck on a desert island, we'd want WNW Member #4148 Jordan Fripp with us. Having spent half a year backpacking around the world, Jordan collected outdoorsman skills along the way as well as some serious wanderlust. When he's not building fires, Jordan's providing art direction, design, and motion for such clients as Nike, Puma, Beats by Dre, and Land Rover.
He also has advice for fellow creatives, "Enjoy the ride. Most people know this industry is a proverbial roller coaster. Sometimes you are busting your ass and other times it is smooth sailing. Figure out how to manage either situation and you will be golden. Also, respect yourself and your work. "
1. How long have you been freelancing?
I've been freelancing In some capacity for the past 10 years. I've had a few short full-time jobs in that span as well, but I always come back to freelancing. It suits my lifestyle and gives me the freedom I enjoy.
2. Is there a time or place that you feel most creative/have the best ideas?
I like taking long walks, especially in the woods, to help clear my mind. A lot of the time just stepping away from things is a great way to let new thoughts in.
3. What's your ideal Working:Not Working ratio?
There is no mathematical formula that applies to everyone, it's definitely more of an individual thing. For me even when I'm not actually in my studio working, I'm thinking about future projects I want to do. As a creative, working is important to not only pay the bills but to satisfy that creative part of our lives that urges the soul to make something. At the same time if we are always working and not learning or exploring the world around us, we can become closed off and unable to grow as creators and people.
4. Do your parents understand what you do?
For the most part. My dad is not the most technically savvy guy but my mom dabbles in a lot of creative, always trying new things even though she doesn't have any technical training. I can say I definitely get my work ethic from them. They are some of the hardest working people I know and I'm thankful to have gotten that from them.
5. What scene from a movie makes you laugh just thinking about it?
Anything from "Screwed". A low budget comedy with Dave Chappelle, Danny DeVito and Norm McDonald. Not any specific scenes, just all the goofy craziness they get into and their over-the-top character performances. Anything from that or Half-Baked. Chappelle was always my favorite well before he had his show on Comedy Central.
6. If you were stranded on a desert island, with your computer, what 3 websites would you take with you?
Ha, well if I were on a desert island, internet probably wouldn't work, but after allowing myself ample time to explore and relax? I would say Spotify for music, Hypebeast for inspiration and Wikipedia to teach myself to make some shit to get the hell off the island! ...Or maybe I would just stay.
7. What do you do when Not Working?
My wife and I love to travel and explore. We took half a year to backpack around the world and ever since then we try and create little expeditions whenever we can. Hiking intense mountains or lying on a beach, trying new food and just living as close to local as possible, wherever that may be. Life is short, you have to live it to the fullest.
8. Do you have a hidden talent?
I guess I'm a bit of an outdoorsman, so stuff like building fires, shooting and navigating are all hidden talents I suppose.
9. Any tips or advice for fellow freelancers?
Enjoy the ride. Most people know this industry is a proverbial roller coaster. Sometimes you are busting your ass and other times it is smooth sailing. Figure out how to manage either situation and you will be golden. Also, respect yourself and your work. We provide a unique, valuable, high end service and sometimes people try to take advantage of that, misunderstanding or not appreciating the good we can contribute.
10. What's your favorite thing on the internet this week?
I create hype graphics for the NBA on the side, and am a basketball fan. This past weekend was the All-Star weekend with lots going on, in NYC no less. There is a lot of culture and art being shared in the form of fashion, sneakers and performance in the sport. So I have had my eye on a lot of that.
11. Anything else you'd like to add that we haven't asked?
I have been doing a lot of traveling for work lately and have done remote work for years. I love that the internet and technology today allows people to connect and work from anywhere, which has helped create a better work / life balance. This is something that all companies and clients should embrace as it leads to happier employees, more creative work and just all around positiveness.